Install a torsion rod in my 2017 f150 tailgate to assist with closing

You can try taking the handle out and fishing the rods up to the opening. Other than that, its a tough job.

remove the bolts from the forward side of the tailgate but be sure to keep control of the handel itself to give you access to the rods to pull the locks inward to release........Hope this helps.

Hi!!

Open up tailgate, remove screws holding cover plate to get access to latch, remove the latch 2 fastening bolts and the 2 rods and install new latch.

Don't forget to rate this answer, Good Luck.

check the tailgate lock rods behind the handle. The bezel around the handle pops off, and the mechanism is behind there. The rods that go to each side of the tailgate may be stuck inward. A little wd-40 or lubricant should work them loose again

EACH rod has a plastic clip that holds rod to tailgate handle you probably just need to replace the clip. it is a plastic clip that locks on rod insert new one in handle then install rod and snap clip down. to gain access you will have to remove tailgate bezel and these usually break when removing.

1. Remove third panel, open tailgate, observe the five torx bolts.

2. Remove the two outer torx bolts.

3. Close tailgate, remove handle bezel. The bottom is held on with two plastic "Fir tree" pins.

4. Open taligate, remove the three remaining torx bolts, close tailgate.

5. Observe that there are two plastic ScotchLock type items that hold the latch actuator rods. Color the exposed threads with a Sharpie for ease of re-assembly.

6. Open the two plastic actuator rod holders and remove the handle assembly.

7. Install the new part and secure the three bolts.

8. Install the actuator rods in the clips, leaving the previously exposed threads, ummm, exposed.

9. Verify proper operation of latches with the third panel installed.

10. Install bezel and two retaining bolts.

Here's another version of replacing it that another guy modified from the above instructions....

I broke the back latch on mine and had to change it. A couple of changes I would make to the instructions are:

1. forget about the third panel, whatever that is, unless it's another way of saying "tailgate"

2. unsscrew the two outer bolts on the inside of the tailgate and close tailgate.

3. pull off plastic cover, bottom fasteners like said above are "pine trees", just pull straight out

4. the actuator rods are just snapped in, BEFORE doing anything else, mark the edge of the fastener, and more importantly

5. TIE a string, or use a long piece of tape on each rod so that when you undo the fasters for the rods, the rods don't fall down to the bottom of the tailgate. I actually used alligator clips off a multitester as they were handy, but you get the idea.

6. loosen the three bolts holding the handle in (don't remove them, so it doesn't torque over when you start in on the last), when all are loose, remove the three bolts, and disconnect the actuator clips. I could do this with my fingers, and it helped to have the bolts out so you could wiggle it a bit for a better grip.

7. you can now remove the handle by rotating it clockwise and pulling outward a bit on the tight spots of the tailgate.

8. intstall by working backwards up this list, the only other thing is for the right actuator rod, I held it with a needle nose pliers to get it into position.

Hope this helps, and it's not really a bad job.

I had a 94 with the same problem. On the inside of the tail gate, you'll see a long, narrow cover, it should have several bolts, probably torx type. Remove that cover and you'll have access to the latch where you can unlatch with a pair of pliers or something.. Good luck.

Sounds like one of the control rods has come off in side the tailgate that pulls on the latches to release the tailgate. Here is what you need to do to fix this. Look on the inside of the tailgate and you will see a rectangular plate that you can remove. Take this plate off and it will give you access to the inside of the tailgate. Then you will see which rod has dropped out of it's retaining hole. You may need to get a new plastic clip from Ford to keep the rod in place. Don't worry though. These plastic clips are cheap and easy to replace. Good luck. This plastic part will only be available from Ford.